Kilkeel School Wins Council Dragons' Den Challenge

Eleven schools from across the district pitched their ideas to councillors in a Dragons' Den style event at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council HQ in Downpatrick on Friday, 17 October as part of Local Democracy Week. Students presented motions on issues ranging from environmental protection to community facilities with St Louis Grammar School in Kilkeel taking the winning spot for their proposal on better preparing young people for voting at 18.

The event saw pupils present their Notices of Motion directly to a judging panel made up of Council Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell, members of Newry Mourne & Down Youth Voice and the Council's Women's Working Group. The winning motion from St Louis Grammar School will now go forward to be debated at a future full Council meeting.

Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell said: "The creativity, confidence and passion shown by all of the students was truly inspiring. Each Notice of Motion reflected issues that matter deeply to our young people, from protecting the environment, celebrating unity and diversity to improving community facilities. Congratulations to St Louis Grammar School on their winning idea, which demonstrated both vision and real impact. I look forward to seeing their proposal brought before the Council for debate. My theme this year is 'empowering young people', and today's event has been a powerful reminder of why it is so important to give young people a platform and ensure their voices are heard in local democracy."

Other schools taking part included Blackwater Integrated College who proposed a unity in diversity youth celebration event, while Kilkeel High School pitched the idea of building a multi-activity complex for young people aged 10 to 16 in the Kilkeel area. Newry High School suggested reinstating fountains in Newry Canal and investing in eco-friendly litter removal, and Newtownhamilton High School focused on reducing single-use plastics. Our Lady's Grammar School addressed tackling violence against women through education, whilst Sacred Heart Grammar School proposed a joint university and school leavers information event. St Malachy's High School looked at enhancing diversity through language and education, St Colmcille's High School in Crossgar pitched developing a shared community space, and St Joseph's Boys' High School wanted to expand recreational facilities for teenagers outside traditional sports. Shimna Integrated College called for increased funding for women's hostels across the district.

Local Democracy Week is a Europe-wide initiative that highlights how councils work and encourages young people to engage in local decision-making.